AFP scores Reds for killing pastor, wounding 2 in Surigao del Norte

“The killing of Jepti Acedo, an innocent civilian and a pastor, and the wounding of his two companions is totally unacceptable, appalling and downright an act of terrorism. This exemplifies the NPA’s contempt and total disrespect for human rights and the International Humanitarian Law,” AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a statement released late Friday. (YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for the unprovoked attack that left a Jehova’s Witnesses pastor dead and two of his companions injured in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte last April 18.

“The killing of Jepti Acedo, an innocent civilian and a pastor, and the wounding of his two companions is totally unacceptable, appalling and downright an act of terrorism. This exemplifies the NPA’s contempt and total disrespect for human rights and the International Humanitarian Law,” AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a statement released late Friday.

Datuin said the entire AFP commiserates with the families of Acedo while praying for the quick recovery of his two companions who were wounded in the NPA attack.

“The continued impunity and mass murder of human beings in the hands of NPA terrorists in Mindanao cements the national perception on the inhuman and evil character of their murderous organization as it strengthens their worldwide reputation as harbinger of disaster and omen of death,” he added.

“The AFP is firm on its stand to fully support the primacy of the peace process but our soldiers will do everything necessary when the safety and security of our people are threatened,” Datuin warned, as he urged the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front to stop all atrocities against the people and be sincere in the peace process.